CVE-2012-1063 in Applications Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in ManageEngine Applications Manager 9.x and 10.x allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) viewId parameter to fault/AlarmView.do or (2) period parameter to showHistoryData.do.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1063 represents a critical security flaw in ManageEngine Applications Manager versions 9.x and 10.x that exposes the system to remote SQL injection attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application's parameter handling processes, specifically affecting two distinct endpoints that process user-supplied data without proper sanitization or parameterized query construction. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer through carefully crafted HTTP requests targeting the application's management interface.
The technical exploitation occurs through two primary attack vectors that leverage different parameter names within the application's URL structure. The first vector targets the viewId parameter within the fault/AlarmView.do endpoint, while the second exploits the period parameter in the showHistoryData.do endpoint. Both attack paths demonstrate the same underlying vulnerability pattern where user input flows directly into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. This design flaw falls under the common weakness identified as CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a critical vulnerability in the OWASP Top Ten security risks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute commands with the privileges of the database user account, potentially enabling full database compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive operational information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the entire monitoring infrastructure managed by Applications Manager. An attacker who successfully exploits either vector could gain access to critical system information including user credentials, network configurations, and performance metrics that are essential for system administration. The vulnerability affects the application's core functionality by potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete alarm configurations, alter historical data records, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the monitoring platform itself. This compromise directly impacts the availability and integrity of the monitoring system, potentially leading to undetected security breaches or system outages that could affect business operations. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure, as the compromised monitoring system may be used to hide malicious activities from other security tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1063 should focus on immediate patch application from ManageEngine, as the vendor would have released security updates addressing the input validation flaws. Organizations should implement network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting these specific endpoints. Input validation and sanitization measures should be implemented at multiple layers including application code modifications, database access controls, and network-based filtering rules. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database accounts used by Applications Manager have minimal required permissions and that database queries are constructed using parameterized statements or stored procedures. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the monitoring infrastructure, while maintaining detailed audit logs of all database access patterns to detect anomalous activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper database access control mechanisms as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's database access techniques category.